By Selbe Dittman
L
ocal, independent singer/songwriter Colton McKenna continues to make waves! Originally from Gainesville, McKenna has been involved in music since he was six years old and has never stopped. His style of music is described as ‘americana,’ influenced by folk, reggae, and alt-country. His acoustic sets are sure to take away all your stress, and they feel especially “St. Augustine.” McKenna has ample experience playing both as a solo artist and as a part of a band. In high school, he was the singer and rhythm guitar for a band called The Blind Venetians and now he plays with several local St. Augustine musicians under “The Colton McKenna Band.” After high school, McKenna moved to St. Augustine where he started performing solo regularly at Stogies. Since college - McKenna attended UNF and received a degree in print journalism – he has performed around Florida and the east coast and in multiple local music festivals.
In 2011, McKenna released his first album of original material as well as going on tour up the east coast. Following this release, the Colton McKenna Band was featured on YourJaxMusic, a local music show on the CW17. Since then, he has played in music festivals including Suwannee Springfest, the Gamble Rogers Music Festival, Gentlemen of the Road, The 450th Anniversary of St. Augustine, Sing-Out-Loud festival here in St. Augustine, and more. McKenna was also chosen to open for Matisyahu on March 1st at a soldout Prohibition Kitchen event. “Being the oldest city, St. Augustine has had arts and music in its blood for a long time and it shows,” says McKenna. Check out Colton McKenna live at the Gamble Rog- ers Music Festival on May 5-7 at the Colonial Oak Music Park in downtown St. Augustine. You can find more of his music on his website, www.coltonmckenna.com and find him around town playing at spots like Sangrias and Harry’s during the week and weekends.